Industrial design: Cost or investment? Understanding the ROI of good design
For many businesses, industrial design is often seen as an added expense, another line item in a product development budget. But what if industrial design is actually one of the smartest investments a company can make? The truth is, the return on investment (ROI) of great design often far outweighs the initial cost, leading to better market performance, reduced production costs, and stronger brand recognition.
The ROI of industrial design
A well-executed industrial design strategy can have measurable financial benefits. Here’s how:
Increased sales and market appeal
Products designed with user needs, ergonomics, and aesthetics in mind tend to perform better in the marketplace. Consumers are drawn to well-designed products that feel intuitive, solve problems efficiently, and look great. This directly translates to higher sales and premium pricing potential.Reduced production and lifecycle costs
Thoughtful design isn’t just about appearance, it’s about efficiency. Good industrial designers consider manufacturing constraints, material selection, and assembly processes to optimise production costs. A product designed for efficient manufacturing reduces waste, assembly time, and component costs.Stronger brand loyalty and recognition
Iconic designs don’t just sell products; they build brands. Companies like Apple, Dyson and Tesla have demonstrated how investment in design leads to strong brand recognition and customer loyalty. When customers associate a brand with high-quality, thoughtfully designed products, repeat purchases and word-of-mouth recommendations follow.Fewer post-launch issues and product failures
Rushing to market without proper design considerations can lead to usability issues, high return rates and costly redesigns. Investing in good design upfront helps prevent these problems, ensuring the product works as intended from day one.
ROI with vs. without industrial design
Businesses that neglect industrial design often face higher long-term costs due to:
Poor customer adoption, leading to slow sales and heavy discounting.
Higher manufacturing and assembly costs from inefficient design choices.
Increased customer complaints, returns and warranty claims.
Weaker brand differentiation and commoditisation of products.
By contrast, businesses that integrate industrial design early in product development can achieve:
Higher perceived value and pricing power.
Reduced material and manufacturing costs.
More successful product launches with stronger customer engagement.
Long-term competitive advantages and brand equity.
Making industrial design a strategic investment
The key to maximising the ROI of industrial design is to treat it as a strategic investment rather than an afterthought. Engaging experienced designers early in the process allows companies to shape products that are not only functional and manufacturable but also highly desirable to customers.
If you’re looking to develop a product that stands out in the market, reduces costs and builds a stronger brand, investing in industrial design isn’t just a choice, it’s a competitive advantage.
At Inspark Design, we help businesses make the most of their product investments. Ready to explore how good design can impact your bottom line? Let’s talk.
